Endothelialization of Polycaprolactone Vascular Graft under the Action of Locally Applied Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Bull Exp Biol Med. 2018 Jun;165(2):264-268. doi: 10.1007/s10517-018-4144-4. Epub 2018 Jun 20.

Abstract

We have previously developed a polycaprolactone (PCL) vascular graft with incorporated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Functioning of the PCL/VEGF graft in rat circulatory system over 1, 3 and 6 months after implantation into abdominal aorta was tested. Graft patency and formation of vascular wall elements were assessed histologically and by immunofluorescence staining for von Willebrand factor, CD31, CD34, and collagens I and IV and DAPI staining. Local application of VEGF promoted endothelialization and improved patency of the graft. The wall of the PCL/VEGF graft underwent remodeling due to active cellular infiltration and the extracellular matrix deposition.

Keywords: electrospinning; endothelialization; polycaprolactone; vascular endothelial growth factor; vascular graft.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aorta, Abdominal / cytology
  • Aorta, Abdominal / drug effects
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Extracellular Matrix / drug effects
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Male
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / pharmacology*
  • Vascular Grafting
  • Vascular Remodeling / drug effects

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • polycaprolactone